After a week of torrential rain, and with more forecast over the next few days, many homes across Wales have been hit by floods. Leading safety charity the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has issued urgent advice for householders affected by floods. “Water and electricity are a lethal combination,� explains Angela Murphy from the ESC. “It may not immediately spring to mind when you are faced with the catastrophe of a flood in your home, but ensure electrical safety is a priority before you try to do any clearing up.� The ESC offers the “flood five� series of advice points:

• Do not touch any sources of electricity – such as switches or appliances - when standing in flood water.
• If your electricity supply is not already turned off, contact your suppliers for help and advice.
• Don’t turn your gas and electricity back on until your providers say that it is safe to do so.
• Do not attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself – always use a registered electrician after contacting your supplier.
• Get a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) done on your home by a registered electrician. This report will check the condition of the electrical wiring in your property.

You might also want to ask your registered electrician to have a look at any electrical equipment and appliances that could have been affected by flood water. For more detailed advice on what to do, go to /www.esc.org.uk/>www.esc.org.uk or call the Electrical Safety Council on 0870 040 0567 to get hold of a flood advice leaflet.

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